U.S. patent application number 16/791371 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-15 for power assisted bow with energy storage and relock mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to SOS Solutions, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is SOS Solutions, Inc.. Invention is credited to Benjamin Peacemaker, Samuel R. Peacemaker.
Application Number | 20200326150 16/791371 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004646250 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-15 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200326150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Peacemaker; Samuel R. ; et
al. |
October 15, 2020 |
POWER ASSISTED BOW WITH ENERGY STORAGE AND RELOCK MECHANISM
Abstract
The present disclosure provides an energy storage and relock
mechanism for a power assisted bow comprising a charge cam and a
relock lever. The charge cam may be configured to store potential
energy by rotating in a first direction. The relock lever may be
configured urge rotation of the charge cam in the first direction
to lock potential energy in the power assisted bow.
Inventors: |
Peacemaker; Samuel R.;
(Gilbert, AZ) ; Peacemaker; Benjamin; (Chandler,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SOS Solutions, Inc. |
Tonasket |
WA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SOS Solutions, Inc.
Tonasket
WA
|
Family ID: |
1000004646250 |
Appl. No.: |
16/791371 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16380519 |
Apr 10, 2019 |
10598460 |
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16791371 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41B 5/1411 20130101;
F41B 5/105 20130101; F41B 5/10 20130101; F41B 5/1484 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41B 5/14 20060101
F41B005/14; F41B 5/10 20060101 F41B005/10 |
Claims
1. An energy storage and relock mechanism for a power assisted bow,
comprising: a charge cam; and a relock lever configured to urge
rotation of the charge cam in a first direction to lock potential
energy in the power assisted bow.
2. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 1, further
comprising a biasing member configured to urge rotation of the
charge cam in a second direction to allow rotation of the charge
cam to release stored energy in the power assisted bow.
3. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 2, further
comprising a relock cord coupled to the relock lever, wherein the
relock lever is configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in
the first direction via the relock cord.
4. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 3, further
comprising a charge cam lock washer coupled to the charge cam and
configured to corotate with the charge cam.
5. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 4, further
comprising a lock plate, wherein the biasing member is configured
to urge rotation of the lock plate to allow rotation of the charge
cam in the second direction, and wherein the relock cord is coupled
to the lock plate, the lock plate configured to urge rotation of
the charge cam in the first direction through actuation of the
relock lever.
6. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 5, wherein the
charge cam lock washer comprises a tooth extending radially from
the charge cam lock washer and the lock plate comprises a first
tooth and a second tooth extending radially from the lock plate,
wherein the first tooth of the lock plate is configured to contact
the tooth of the charge cam lock washer to urge rotation of the
charge cam in the first direction.
7. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 1, wherein the
charge cam is configured to be coupled to a first charge cable on a
first end and coupled to a second charge cable on a second end.
8. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 7, wherein the
first charge cable and the second charge cable are configured to
become tensioned in response to the charge cam rotating in the
first direction.
9. The energy storage and relock mechanism of claim 1, further
comprising an attachment member configured to couple the energy
storage and relock mechanism to a central body of the power
assisted bow.
10. A power assisted bow, comprising: an energy storage and relock
mechanism, comprising: a charge cam; and a relock lever configured
to urge rotation of the charge cam in a first direction to lock
potential energy in the power assisted bow.
11. The power assisted bow of claim 10, further comprising a first
charge cable and a second charge cable coupled to the charge cam
and configured to become tensioned in response to the charge cam
rotating in the first direction.
12. The power assisted bow of claim 11, further comprising a first
auxiliary limb and a second auxiliary limb coupled to the first
charge cable and the second charge cable, respectively, the first
auxiliary limb and the second auxiliary limb configured to deflect
inwardly in response to the charge cam rotating in the first
direction.
13. The power assisted bow of claim 10, wherein the energy storage
and relock mechanism is coupled to a central body of the power
assisted bow adjacent to a grip.
14. The power assisted bow of claim 10, further comprising a
biasing member configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in a
second direction to allow rotation of the charge cam to release
stored energy in the power assisted bow.
15. The power assisted bow of claim 14, further comprising a relock
cord coupled to the relock lever, wherein the relock lever is
configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction via the relock cord.
16. The power assisted bow of claim 15, further comprising: a lock
plate; and a charge cam lock washer coupled to the charge cam and
configured to corotate with the charge cam; wherein the biasing
member is configured to urge rotation of the lock plate to allow
rotation of the charge cam in the second direction; the relock cord
is coupled to the lock plate, the lock plate is configured to urge
rotation of the charge cam in the first direction through actuation
of the relock lever; and a first tooth of the lock plate is
configured to contact a tooth of the charge cam lock washer to urge
rotation of the charge cam in the first direction.
17. The power assisted bow of claim 10, wherein the charge cam is
configured to store a fraction of a total amount of potential
energy to be stored in the power assisted bow by rotating in the
first direction.
18. A method of storing and locking potential energy in a power
assisted bow, comprising: storing a first amount of potential
energy in the power assisted bow via an energy storage and relock
mechanism; locking the first amount of potential energy in the
power assisted bow via the energy storage and relock mechanism;
generating a second amount of potential energy in the power
assisted bow in response to a drawstring of the power assisted bow
being pulled; and relieving a third amount of potential energy in
the power assisted bow in response to the drawstring being
released, wherein the third amount of potential energy comprises
the first amount of potential energy and the second amount of
potential energy.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the energy storage and relock
mechanism comprises a charge cam configured to store the first
amount of potential energy by rotating in a first direction.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the energy storage and relock
mechanism further comprises a relock lever configured to relock the
first amount of potential energy by urging rotation of the charge
cam in the first direction.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of, and claims priority
to, and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/380,519,
filed on Apr. 10, 2019, and entitled "POWER ASSISTED BOW WITH
ENERGY STORAGE AND RELOCK MECHANISM" which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a compound bow system, and
more specifically, to a power assisted bow with an energy storage
and relock mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Conventional compound bow systems utilize a plurality of
cables and cams to store energy in the limbs of the compound bow,
which may be released to launch a projectile such as an arrow.
Typically, the cams are configured to rotate in response to a user
pulling a drawstring, thereby charging the bow limbs to achieve an
adequate output force to launch the arrow at an intended velocity.
However, in some cases, the force associated with fully charging
the compound bow by pulling the drawstring to a fully drawn
position may be too great for some users.
[0004] Some compound bows may attempt to solve the above-stated
problem by allowing a portion of the output energy to be stored as
potential energy in the compound bow prior to a user pulling the
drawstring to generate additional potential energy. However, such
compound bows may lack the capability to maintain the stored
potential energy in the compound bow in the event the user wishes
to release the drawstring but not release the energy in the
compound bow.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] An energy storage and relock mechanism for a power assisted
bow is disclosed herein in accordance with various embodiments. The
energy storage and relock mechanism comprises a charge cam and a
relock lever configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in a
first direction to lock potential energy in the power assisted bow,
in accordance with various embodiments.
[0006] In various embodiments, the energy storage and relock
mechanism further comprises a biasing member configured to urge
rotation of the charge cam in a second direction to allow rotation
of the charge cam to release stored energy in the power assisted
bow. The energy storage and relock mechanism may further comprise a
relock cord coupled to the relock lever, wherein the relock lever
is configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction via the relock cord. The energy storage and relock
mechanism may further comprise a charge cam lock washer coupled to
the charge cam and configured to corotate with the charge cam. The
energy storage and relock mechanism may further comprise a lock
plate, wherein the biasing member is configured to urge rotation of
the lock plate to allow rotation of the charge cam in the second
direction, and the relock cord is coupled to the lock plate, the
lock plate is configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the
first direction through actuation of the relock lever. The charge
cam lock washer comprises a tooth extending radially from the
charge cam lock washer and the lock plate may comprise a first
tooth and a second tooth extending radially from the lock plate,
wherein the first tooth of the lock plate is configured to contact
the tooth of the charge cam lock washer to urge rotation of the
charge cam in the first direction. The charge cam may be configured
to be coupled to a first charge cable on a first end and coupled to
a second charge cable on a second end. The first charge cable and
the second charge cable may be configured to become tensioned in
response to the charge cam rotating in the first direction. The
energy storage and relock mechanism may further comprise an
attachment member configured to couple the energy storage and
relock mechanism to a central body of the power assisted bow.
[0007] A power assisted bow is disclosed herein in accordance with
various embodiments. The power assisted bow comprises an energy
storage and relock mechanism, comprising a charge cam and a relock
lever configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction to lock potential energy in the power assisted bow, in
accordance with various embodiments.
[0008] In various embodiments, the power assisted bow further
comprises a first charge cable and a second charge cable coupled to
the charge cam and configured to become tensioned in response to
the charge cam rotating in the first direction. The power assisted
bow may further comprise a first auxiliary limb and a second
auxiliary limb coupled to the first charge cable and second charge
cable, respectively, the first auxiliary limb and the second
auxiliary limb configured to deflect inwardly in response to the
charge cam rotating in the first direction. In various embodiments,
the energy storage and relock mechanism is coupled to a central
body of the power assisted bow adjacent to a grip. The power
assisted bow may further comprise a biasing member configured to
urge rotation of the charge cam in a second direction to allow
rotation of the charge cam to release stored energy in the power
assisted bow. The power assisted bow may further comprise a relock
cord coupled to the relock lever, wherein the relock lever is
configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction via the relock cord. The power assisted bow may further
comprise a lock plate and a charge cam lock washer coupled to the
charge cam and configured to corotate with the charge cam. The
biasing member may be configured to urge rotation of the lock plate
to allow rotation of the charge cam in the second direction. The
relock cord may be coupled to the lock plate, the lock plate is
configured to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction through actuation of the relock lever. A first tooth of
the lock plate may be configured to contact a tooth of the charge
cam lock washer to urge rotation of the charge cam in the first
direction. The charge cam may be configured to store a fraction of
a total amount of potential energy to be stored in the power
assisted bow by rotating in the first direction.
[0009] A method of storing and locking potential energy in a power
assisted bow, is disclosed comprising storing a first amount of
potential energy in the power assisted bow via an energy storage
and relock mechanism, locking the first amount of potential energy
in the power assisted bow via the energy storage and relock
mechanism, generating a second amount of potential energy in the
power assisted bow in response to a drawstring of the power
assisted bow being pulled, and relieving a third amount of
potential energy in the power assisted bow in response to the
drawstring being released, wherein the third amount of potential
energy comprises the first amount of potential energy and the
second amount of potential energy.
[0010] In various embodiments, the energy storage and relock
mechanism comprises a charge cam configured to store the first
amount of potential energy by rotating in a first direction. The
energy storage and relock mechanism may further comprise a relock
lever configured to relock the first amount of potential energy by
urging rotation of the charge cam in the first direction.
[0011] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in
various combinations without exclusivity, unless expressly
indicated otherwise. These features and elements as well as the
operation thereof will become more apparent in light of the
following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be
understood, however, the following description and drawings are
intended to be exemplary in nature and non-limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in,
and constitute a part of, this specification, illustrate various
embodiments, and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a power assisted bow with
an energy storage and relock mechanism in a rest position, in
accordance with various embodiments;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an energy storage
and relock mechanism of a power assisted bow, in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a dual function lever to
be used in conjunction with an energy storage and relock mechanism,
in accordance with various embodiments;
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a dual function
lever coupled to power assisted bow drawstring, in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of a dual function lever
coupled to an energy storage and relock mechanism of a power
assisted bow, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a dual function lever
coupled to an energy storage and relock mechanism of a power
assisted bow in a rest position, in accordance with various
embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a dual function lever
coupled to an energy storage and relock mechanism of a power
assisted bow in a charged locked position, in accordance with
various embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a power assisted bow with
an energy storage and relock mechanism in a charged locked
position, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of a power assisted bow with
an energy storage and relock mechanism in a charged fully drawn
position, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0022] FIG. 10 illustrates an energy storage and relock mechanism
of a power assisted bow in a fully drawn position from a first
side, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an energy storage and relock mechanism
of a power assisted bow in a fully drawn position from a second
side, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0024] FIG. 12 illustrates an energy storage and relock mechanism
of a power assisted bow in a charged relocked position from a first
side, in accordance with various embodiments;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an energy storage and relock mechanism
of a power assisted bow in a charged relocked position from a
second side, in accordance with various embodiments; and
[0026] FIG. 14 illustrates a method of storing and relocking
potential energy in a power assisted bow, in accordance with
various embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The detailed description of various embodiments herein makes
reference to the accompanying drawings, which show various
embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the
art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other
embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical, electrical,
and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description
herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of
limitation.
[0028] For example, the steps recited in any of the method or
process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not
necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any
reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any
reference to more than one component or step may include a singular
embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed,
connected, or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary,
partial, full, and/or any other possible attachment option.
Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases)
may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.
[0029] For example, in the context of the present disclosure,
methods, systems, and articles may find particular use in
connection with compound bows. However, various aspects of the
disclosed embodiments may be adapted for performance in a variety
of other mechanical systems. As such, numerous applications of the
present disclosure may be realized.
[0030] Compound bows may include one or more cam assemblies
configured to provide a mechanical advantage for a user pulling the
drawstring of the compound bow. Typically, the output force of the
compound bow is directly dependent on the amount of force required
to bring the drawstring to a fully drawn position. In general, as
the drawstring is pulled, cams mounted on opposing limbs of the
compound bow rotate, thereby deflecting the limbs and storing
energy in the bow. The shape and orientation of the cams is
configured to provide a mechanical advantage to a user pulling the
drawstring. The force required by a user to pull the drawstring may
peak shortly after the initial pull and plateau until the
drawstring reaches the fully drawn position. However, such a force
may be too great for some users.
[0031] Recently, certain compound bows have been developed which
may allow a portion of the output energy to be prestored as
potential energy in the compound bow before the remaining energy is
generated by pulling the drawstring. Compound bows such as these
may allow a user to pull the drawstring to store a fraction of the
total energy to be released from the system, thereby allowing a
user lacking the requisite strength to operate a bow with greater
output energy, and therefore, greater arrow velocity. However, such
compound bows may lack the ability to allow a user to release the
energy resulting from the user pulling the drawstring, without also
releasing the potential energy prestored in the compound bow. Such
functionality may be beneficial in the event the user is not ready
to release the arrow for various reasons.
[0032] Accordingly, with reference to FIG. 1, a side view of a
power assisted bow 100 with an energy storage and relock mechanism
200 is illustrated in a rest position, in accordance with various
embodiments. Power assisted bow 100 may comprise a central body 102
comprising a grip 104, a first member 106, and a second member 108,
and one or more limb brackets 112 positioned at terminal ends of
first member 106 and second member 108. Central body 102 may
comprise an elongated member, wherein first member 106 may form an
upper portion (positive y-direction), while second member 108 may
form a lower portion (negative y-direction). Central body 102 may
be configured to receive one or more bow components, including
limbs, sights, stabilizer bushings, or other components. Central
body 102 may comprise one or more cutouts 110 configured to reduce
a weight of power assisted bow 100. Limb brackets 112 may be
configured to receive a corresponding number of limbs such as a
first main limb 114, a second main limb 116, a first auxiliary limb
118, and a second auxiliary limb 120. Energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 may be coupled to central body 102 proximate grip 104
of central body 102, in various embodiments.
[0033] As previously stated, power assisted bow 100 may comprise a
first main limb 114 and a second main limb 116. First main limb 114
may be coupled to a terminal end of first member 106, while second
main limb 116 may be coupled to a terminal end of second member
108. Similarly, power assisted bow 100 may comprise a first
auxiliary limb 118 and a second auxiliary limb 120. First auxiliary
limb 118 may be coupled to a terminal end of first member 106,
while second auxiliary limb 120 may be coupled to a second terminal
end of second member 108. As such, in various embodiments, first
main limb 114 and first auxiliary limb 118 may be positioned on an
opposite end of central body 102 than second main limb 116 and
second auxiliary limb 120.
[0034] First auxiliary limb 118 may be coupled to power assisted
bow 100 such that first auxiliary limb 118 is positioned inward
(inward referring generally to a direction toward energy storage
and relock mechanism 200) of first main limb 114. Similarly, second
auxiliary limb 120 may be coupled to power assisted bow 100 such
that second auxiliary limb 120 is positioned inward of second main
limb 116. In various embodiments, an outer surface 122 of first
auxiliary limb 118 may be configured to contact an inner surface
124 of first main limb 114 at first contact location 126. An outer
surface 128 of second auxiliary limb 120 may be configured contact
an inner surface 130 of second main limb 116 at second contact
location 132. As will be discussed further below, first main limb
114 and second main limb 116 may be configured to relieve potential
energy in first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120
via first contact location 126 and second contact location 132.
[0035] In various embodiments, power assisted bow 100 may comprise
various materials. For example, central body 102, grip 104, first
member 106, and/or second member 108 may comprise an aluminum,
aluminum alloy, composite material, or other suitable material.
First main limb 114, second main limb 116, first auxiliary limb
118, and/or second auxiliary limb 120 may comprise a composite
material or another resilient material capable of elastically
deflecting to store potential energy and release stored energy when
returning to a non-deflected position.
[0036] Power assisted bow 100 may further comprise a first cam 134
rotatably mounted to an end of first main limb 114 and a second cam
136 rotatable mounted to an end of second main limb 116. As would
be appreciated to one of ordinary skill in the art, first cam 134
and second cam 136 may each comprise a substantially ovoid geometry
and be configured to rotate about a single point. In various
embodiments, first main limb 114 may comprise a split limb
comprising two members separated at one end. Similarly, second main
limb 116 may comprise a split limb comprising two members separated
at one end. First cam 134 and second cam 136 may be configured to
be positioned between the two members of first main limb 114 and
second main limb 116, respectively. First main limb 114 and second
main limb 116 may each comprise one or more apertures configured to
receive a first rotational member 138 and a second rotational
member 140, respectively, such that first cam 134 and second cam
136 may be configured to rotate. First rotational member 138 and
second rotational member 140 may be configured to be inserted into
one or more apertures extending through first cam 134, second cam
136, first main limb 114, and second main limb 116.
[0037] Power assisted bow 100 comprises a drawstring 142, a first
buss cable 144, and a second buss cable 146, in accordance with
various embodiments. Drawstring 142 may be coupled on a first end
148 to first cam 134 and coupled on a second end 150 to second cam
136. First end 148 may wrap around a portion of a profile of first
cam 134 and second end 150 may wrap around a portion of a profile
of second cam 136. First cam 134 may be configured to rotate in a
first direction in response to drawstring 142 being pulled (in the
positive x-direction) and second cam 136 may be configured to
rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction in
response to drawstring 142 being pulled.
[0038] First buss cable 144 may be coupled on a first end 152 to
first main limb 114 and coupled on a second end 154 to second cam
136. Similarly, second buss cable 146 may be coupled on a first end
156 to second main limb 116 and coupled on a second end 158 to
first cam 134. As first cam 134 and second cam 136 rotate in
response to drawstring 142 being pulled, first buss cable 144 may
wrap around an inner profile 160 of second cam 136 and second buss
cable 146 may wrap around an inner profile 162 of first cam 134. In
such a way, first buss cable 144 and second buss cable 146, now
under tension, may pull first main limb 114 and second main limb
116, respectively, inwardly, thereby storing energy in first main
limb 114 and second main limb 116.
[0039] Power assisted bow 100 may further comprise a first charge
cable 166 and a second charge cable 168. First charge cable 166 may
be coupled on a first end 170 to first auxiliary limb 118 and
coupled on a second end 172 to energy storage and relock mechanism
200. Likewise, second charge cable 168 may be coupled on a first
end 174 to second auxiliary limb 120 and coupled on a second end
176 to energy storage and relock mechanism 200. In various
embodiments, first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168 may
be configured to be pulled inwardly via a substantially oval-shaped
profile on energy storage and relock mechanism 200, thereby
deforming first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 to
store energy in power assisted bow 100. First charge cable 166,
second charge cable 168, first buss cable 144, second buss cable
146, and drawstring 142 may comprise any suitable material,
including, for example, linen fiber, hemp fiber, rawhide, a
synthetic fiber such as an aramid or para-aramid fiber (e.g., that
sold under the trademark KEVLAR), or high-molecular-weight
polyethylene material.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 2, a perspective view of energy
storage and relock mechanism 200 is illustrated from a rear
perspective view, in accordance with various embodiments. Energy
storage and relock mechanism 200 may comprise an assembly of
various components configured to store energy in power assisted bow
100 through deformation of first auxiliary limb 118 and second
auxiliary limb 120. Energy storage and relock mechanism 200 may
further be configured to lock a position of first auxiliary limb
118 and second auxiliary limb 120 in the event it is desired to
return power assisted bow 100 to a charged, relocked position after
pulling the drawstring to a fully drawn position.
[0041] Energy storage and relock mechanism 200 may comprise a body
202 comprising an attachment member 204, an energy storage and
relock assembly 206, and a roller element member 208. Attachment
member 204 may comprise any suitable structure configured to couple
energy storage and relock mechanism 200 to a portion of a compound
bow, for example, central body 102. As such, in various
embodiments, attachment member 204 may comprise an elongated member
comprising one or more attachment apertures 210. One or more
attachment apertures 210 may be configured to receive an equal
number of fasteners 212 to couple energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 to power assisted bow 100.
[0042] Roller element member 208 may be positioned rearward (in the
positive x-direction) of attachment member 204 and be configured to
receive first buss cable 144 and second buss cable 146. Roller
element member 208 may comprise a first slot 214 configured to
house a first roller 216 and a second slot 218 configured to house
a second roller 220, in various embodiments. First roller 216 and
second roller 220 may be rotatably coupled to roller element member
208 via a first roller element fastener 222 and a second roller
element fastener 224. Specifically, roller element member 208 may
comprise one or more apertures configured to receive first roller
element fastener 222 and second roller element fastener 224 for
rotatably mounting first roller 216 and second roller 220 to roller
element member 208. As such, first roller 216 and second roller 220
may be configured to freely rotate in response to first buss cable
144 and second buss cable moving up and down (in the y-direction)
relative to roller element member 208.
[0043] Energy storage and relock assembly 206 may be positioned
rearward of attachment member 204 yet forward of roller element
member 208. In various embodiments, energy storage and relock
assembly 206 may comprise one or more rotating elements configured
to mechanically interface to lock or unlock potential energy in the
power assisted bow. Energy storage and relock assembly 206 may
comprise a first rotating element, for example, a rotatable charge
cam lock washer 226, and a second rotating element, for example, a
rotatable lock plate 228 configured to interface with charge cam
lock washer 226 to prevent and/or allow rotation of charge cam lock
washer 226. The first rotating element may be adjacent to the
second rotating element. While illustrated in FIG. 2 as comprising
a charge cam lock washer 226 and a lock plate 228, the first
rotating element and the second rotating element are not limited in
this regard and may comprise any suitable structures configured to
mechanically interface to cause rotation of the other component. In
various embodiments, the first rotating element and the second
rotating element may comprise a structure similar to or different
than charge cam lock washer 226 and lock plate 228 such as an
irregular cam or an irregular gear comprising one or more
protrusions extending radially therefrom. Lock plate 228 may
prevent stored energy from being released from power assisted bow
100 by mechanically interfering with charge cam lock washer
226.
[0044] Energy storage and relock assembly 206 may comprise a
housing 230 and a charge shaft 232, in various embodiments. Charge
shaft 232 may be configured to rotate 360.degree. relative to
housing 230 such that energy may be stored in first auxiliary limb
118 and second auxiliary limb 120 and released as charge shaft 232
rotates relative to housing 230. In various embodiments, charge cam
lock washer 226 may be coupled to charge shaft 232 adjacent to
housing 230. Charge cam lock washer 226 may comprise an aperture
with a shape corresponding to that of charge shaft 232, in various
embodiments. Charge cam lock washer 226 may be configured to rotate
with charge shaft 232 as charge shaft 232 rotates relative to
housing 230. Charge cam lock washer 226 may comprise any suitable
shape. For example, in various embodiments, charge cam lock washer
226 may comprise a circular, triangular, square, or any other
suitable geometry. Charge cam lock washer 226 may comprise a tooth
234 extending radially outward from an outer surface of charge cam
lock washer 226 such that tooth 234 extends a greater distance in
the radial direction than the remaining portions of charge cam lock
washer 226. As will be discussed further below, tooth 234 may be
configured to interface with other components on energy storage and
relock assembly 206 in order to store and/or release energy in
power assisted bow 100.
[0045] Similar to charge cam lock washer 226, lock plate 228 may
comprise any suitable geometry, for example, a circular,
triangular, square or other suitable geometry. Lock plate 228 may
be configured to rotate relative to housing 230 in a first
direction and a second direction opposite first direction. In
various embodiments, lock plate 228 may be positioned between
energy storage and relock assembly 206 and attachment member 204,
however, lock plate 228 is not limited in this regard and may be
coupled to any suitable portion of energy storage and relock
mechanism 200.
[0046] In various embodiments, lock plate 228 may comprise an
aperture configured to receive and rotate about a shaft 236. Lock
plate 228 may further comprise a biasing member 238. Biasing member
238 may comprise a torsion spring in various embodiments, however,
is not limited in this regard and may comprise any suitable part
configured to provide a biasing rotational force to lock plate 228.
For example, biasing member 238 may be configured to bias lock
plate 228 such that lock plate 228 desires to rotate in a
counterclockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 2. Lock plate 228
may further comprise a first tooth 240 and a second tooth 242.
First tooth 240 and second tooth 242 may extend radially outward
from lock plate 228 such that first tooth 240 and second tooth 242
extend a greater distance in the radial direction than the
remaining portions of lock plate 228. First tooth 240 and second
tooth 242 may be spaced apart in a circumferential direction. In
various embodiments, first tooth 240 may be spaced apart from
second tooth 242 such that an angle between first tooth 240 and
second tooth 242 is between approximately 0.degree. and
180.degree., between approximately 45.degree. and 135.degree., or
approximately 90.degree.. In various embodiments, first tooth 240
and second tooth 242 may be configured to interface with tooth 234
of charge cam lock washer 226 such that potential energy may be
stored and/or released from power assisted bow 100.
[0047] Lock plate 228 may further comprise a boss 244. Boss 244 may
be circumferentially spaced apart from first tooth 240 and second
tooth 242. For example, in various embodiments, boss 244 may be
located near a top portion (in the y-direction) of lock plate 228
and extend radially outward from lock plate 228. Boss 244 may
comprise an aperture 246 configured to receive a boss shaft 248.
Boss shaft 248 may be coupled to a relock cord 252, in various
embodiments. Relock cord 252 may be coupled to a relock mechanism
254.
[0048] Relock mechanism 254 may comprise an attachment flange 256
configured to be coupled to central body 102 via one or more
fasteners 258 and a relock lever 260. Relock lever 260 may be
configured to rotate relative to attachment flange 256 (in a
direction indicated by the arrows), thereby applying a force to
lock plate 228 near boss 244 through relock cord 252. Such a force
may cause lock plate 228 to rotate in the clockwise direction in
FIG. 2. As will be discussed further below, such a movement of lock
plate 228 may allow energy storage and relock mechanism 200 to
relock energy in power assisted bow 100.
[0049] Referring momentarily to FIG. 6, energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 is illustrated from a second side, in accordance with
various embodiments. Energy storage and relock mechanism 200 may
comprise a charge cam 262 coupled to a second side of housing 230.
Charge cam 262 may be configured to charge first auxiliary limb 118
and second auxiliary limb through first charge cable 166 and second
charge cable 168, respectively (with momentary reference to FIG.
1). In various embodiments, charge cam 262 may comprise a
substantially oval-shaped member configured to rotate relative to
housing 230. Charge cam 262 may comprise a first finger 264
configured to interface with first charge cable 166 and a second
finger 266 configured to interface with second charge cable 168. As
illustrated herein, second finger 266 may be obstructed from view,
but may be axially displaced from first finger 264, wherein axial
may refer to a direction along the z-axis.
[0050] In various embodiments, first finger 264 and second finger
266 may comprise elongated members oriented in substantially
opposite directions. For example, first finger 264 and second
finger 266 may be oriented at approximately 180.degree. from each
other in various embodiments, however, are not limited in this
regard. First charge cable 166 may be coupled to a first end 268 of
charge cam 262, while second charge cable 168 may be coupled to a
second end 270 of charge cam 262 substantially opposite the first
end 268. In various embodiments, first end 268 and second end 270
may lie along the major axis of charge cam 262. In various
embodiments, charge cam 262 may be coupled to charge shaft 232
(similar to charge cam lock washer 226 with reference to FIG. 2)
such that charge cam 262 may rotate with charge shaft 232 on one
side of housing 230, while charge cam lock washer 226 rotates with
charge shaft 232 on the opposite side of housing 230. As will be
discussed further below, as charge cam 262 rotates, first charge
cable 166 and second charge cable 168 may be pulled inwardly,
thereby deflecting first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary
limb 120 and storing energy in power assisted bow 100.
[0051] Referring now to FIG. 3, a dual function lever 300 is
illustrated from a side view, in accordance with various
embodiments. Dual function lever 300 may be configured to be
coupled to charge shaft 232 of energy storage and relock mechanism
200 and also be coupled to drawstring 142 of power assisted bow 100
(with momentary reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). Dual function
lever 300 may comprise a contoured grip 302, a lever arm 304, clamp
306, clamp release lever 308, shaft aperture 310, and one or more
cutouts 312 configured to reduce a weight of dual function lever
300. Contoured grip 302 may comprise one or more semicircular
surfaces 314 configured to provide grip for a user's hand. Clamp
306 may comprise a first jaw 316 and a second jaw 318 configured to
rotate to open and close.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, first jaw 316 and
second jaw 318 may define a drawstring aperture 320 when first jaw
316 and second jaw 318 are in a closed position. Drawstring
aperture 320 may comprise a diameter substantially equal to that of
drawstring 142 and may be configured to be coupled to drawstring
142 such that dual function lever 300 may assist a user in pulling
drawstring 142. Once it is desired to release energy stored in
power assisted bow 100 by releasing drawstring 142, clamp release
lever 308 may be actuated, which may separate first jaw 316 and
second jaw 318 and allow the drawstring 142 to be released from
dual function lever 300.
[0053] With reference now to FIG. 5, dual function lever 300 is
illustrated adjacent to power assisted bow 100, in accordance with
various embodiments. In various embodiments, shaft aperture 310 may
be configured to mate with charge shaft 232, thereby allowing dual
function lever 300 to charge energy storage and relock mechanism
200. Specifically, shaft aperture 310 of dual function lever 300
may comprise a complementary geometry to charge shaft 232. For
example, in various embodiments, shaft aperture 310 and charge
shaft 232 may each comprise a hexagonal geometry. Such geometry may
increase a contact surface area between shaft aperture 310 and
charge shaft 232. Dual function lever 300 may be coupled to charge
shaft 232 via shaft aperture 310. Specifically, charge shaft 232
may be inserted through shaft aperture 310. Energy storage and
relock mechanism 200 may be charged in response to rotation of dual
function lever 300. Lever arm 304 may function as a moment arm
allowing the user to apply a greater amount of rotational force to
charge shaft 232 through dual function lever 300.
[0054] Returning now to FIG. 6, dual function lever 300 is
illustrated coupled to energy storage and relock mechanism 200
while power assisted bow 100 is in a rest position, in accordance
with various embodiments. In this position, power assisted bow 100
may be in the position illustrated in FIG. 1 with first auxiliary
limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 in a rested, non-deflected
position. As previously discussed, dual function lever 300 may be
coupled to energy storage and relock mechanism 200 by placing
charge shaft 232 through shaft aperture in dual function lever
300.
[0055] Dual function lever 300 may allow a user to rotate charge
cam 262 and/or charge cam lock washer 226 to charge power assisted
bow 100. Charge cam lock washer 226 may be configured to corotate
with charge cam 262. For example, referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7,
in a rest position, charge cam 262 may be positioned substantially
vertically, however, is not limited in this regard. In response to
a user applying a force to dual function lever 300, charge cam 262
may rotate in a clockwise direction as illustrated in FIG. 7.
Charge cam 262 and charge shaft 232 (FIG. 5) may continue to rotate
until first finger 264 may contact first charge cable 166 and
second finger 266 may contact second charge cable 168. As charge
cam 262 rotates, first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168
may be pulled inwardly (in a direction toward charge cam 262). In
such a way, first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168
under tension may cause first auxiliary limb 118 and second
auxiliary limb 120 to deflect inward. Such inward deflection of
first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 may "charge"
power assisted bow 100 such that a portion of the total output
energy of power assisted bow may be stored as potential energy in
first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120.
[0056] In various embodiments, the structure of charge cam 262,
first finger 264, second finger 266, first charge cable, and second
charge cable 168 may be configured that energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 may be locked upon first finger 264 contacting first
charge cable 166 and second finger 266 contacting second charge
cable 168. In other words, upon being contacted by first finger 264
and second finger 266 respectively, first charge cable 166 and
second charge cable 168 may deflect such that the energy stored in
first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 remains
stored in the limbs without the risk of the system releasing this
stored energy prematurely. Therefore, in the charged position
illustrated in FIG. 7, power assisted bow 100 may also be
considered "locked" and may be stowed, carried, aimed, or otherwise
maneuvered with all or a portion of the total potential energy
stored in the system.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 8, power assisted bow 100 is
illustrated from a side view in the charged locked position, in
accordance with various embodiments. As previously stated, dual
function lever 300 may be used to rotate charge cam 262, thereby
causing first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168 to
become tensioned. This may cause first auxiliary limb 118 and
second auxiliary limb 120 to deflect inwardly (as indicated by the
arrows), thereby separating from first main limb 114 and second
main limb 116, respectively. As further stated previously, the
charged energy may be "locked" in power assisted bow 100. In this
position, dual function lever 300 may be removed and coupled to
drawstring 142.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 9, power assisted bow 100 is
illustrated in a charged fully drawn position, in accordance with
various embodiments. In various embodiments, drawstring 142 may be
pulled using dual function lever 300. Power assisted bow 100 is not
limited in this regard and drawstring 142 may be pulled using any
suitable means, for example, a user's hand, finger or a device
capable of pulling drawstring 142. In response to drawstring 142
being pulled, first cam 134 and second cam 136 may rotate in
opposite directions due to drawstring being coupled to first cam
134 and second cam 136. In response, first buss cable 144 may wrap
around inner profile 160 of second cam 136 and second buss cable
146 may wrap around inner profile 162 of first cam 134. As a
result, first buss cable 144 being coupled to second main limb 116
and second buss cable 146 being coupled to first main limb 114 may
cause first main limb 114 and second main limb 116 to deflect
inwardly (as indicated by the arrows). First main limb 114 may
contact first auxiliary limb 118 at first contact location 126 and
second main limb 116 may contact second auxiliary limb 120 at
second contact location 132. By contacting first auxiliary limb 118
and second auxiliary limb 120, respectively, first main limb 114
and second main limb 116 may relieve tension in first charge cable
166 and second charge cable 168. This may allow charge cam 262 to
counterrotate (in the counterclockwise direction), thereby
unlocking all of the stored energy in power assisted bow 100. At
this stage, all of the energy stored in power assisted bow 100 may
be released in response to drawstring 142 being released.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 10, energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 is illustrated from a first side while power assisted
bow is in a charged fully drawn position, in accordance with
various embodiments. As previously stated, in the charged fully
drawn position, all energy stored in power assisted bow 100 may be
released in response to a user releasing the drawstring. In this
position, lock plate 228 may be positioned such that first tooth
240 is in contact with an upper portion of tooth 234 of charge cam
lock washer 226. Lock plate 228 may be biased in the
counterclockwise direction via biasing member 238. Biasing member
238 may be configured to urge rotation of the lock plate 228 to
allow rotation of the charge cam 262 to release stored energy in
power assisted bow 100. In response to the drawstring 142 being
released, first main limb 114 and second main limb 116 may return
to a non-deflected original position due to the elastic nature of
first main limb 114 and second main limb 116. Following this, first
auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 may return to an
original position due to the elastic nature of first auxiliary limb
118 and second auxiliary limb 120. As first auxiliary limb 118 and
second auxiliary limb 120 expand outwardly, first auxiliary limb
118 and second auxiliary limb 120 may apply a tensile force to
first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168, thereby causing
charge shaft 232 to counterrotate in the clockwise direction. In
turn, rotating element 226 and charge cam 262 may also
counterrotate, releasing energy stored in power assisted bow
100.
[0060] FIG. 11 illustrates energy storage and relock mechanism 200
from a second side while power assisted bow 100 is in charged fully
drawn position. In the charged fully drawn position, first finger
264 and second finger 266 may be separated from first charge cable
166 and second charge cable 168, such that first finger 264 and
second finger 266 do not contact first charge cable 166 and second
charge cable 168, respectively. As previously discussed, stored
energy in first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120
may be "locked" when first finger 264 and second finger 266 are in
contact with first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168. As
such, in the position illustrated in FIG. 11, all the energy stored
in power assisted bow may be released upon releasing of the
drawstring.
[0061] Referring now to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, energy storage and
relock mechanism 200 is illustrated in a charged relocked position,
in accordance with various embodiments. In the event a user does
not wish to release the drawstring when power assisted bow 100 is
in a charged fully drawn position, energy storage and relock
mechanism 200 may allow the prestored energy in the first auxiliary
limb 118 and the second auxiliary limb 120 to remain stored in
power assisted bow 100 as the user lets down the drawstring and
prepares for another shot. More specifically, in response to a
desire to let down the drawstring without releasing the energy
stored in first auxiliary limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120,
relock lever 260 may be actuated. Relock lever 260 may be
positioned adjacent to grip 104 such that relock lever 260 may be
actuated without the need to adjust a position of a user's hand, in
various embodiments.
[0062] As relock lever 260 is actuated (rotated in the direction
indicated by the arrow), relock cord 252 coupled to one end of
relock lever 260 may be tensioned, thereby exerting a force on boss
244. Such a force may be greater than the biasing force applied by
biasing member 238 such that lock plate 228 rotates in a clockwise
direction (as indicated by the arrows). In response, second tooth
242 of lock plate 228 may contact tooth 234 of charge cam lock
washer 226, thereby counterrotating charge cam lock washer 226,
charge shaft 232, and charge cam 262 (as indicated by the arrow),
thereby relocking energy in energy storage and relock mechanism 200
and power assisted bow 100. FIG. 13 illustrates charge cam 262 in a
charged relocked position. Similar to the charged locked position,
first finger 264 and second finger 266 of charge cam 262 may
contact first charge cable 166 and second charge cable 168,
respectively, such that energy remains stored in first auxiliary
limb 118 and second auxiliary limb 120 (not shown). Power assisted
bow 100 may now be configured such that a user may redraw
drawstring 142 and prepare for another shot, with the total energy
in the bow at his or her disposal once again.
[0063] A block diagram illustrating a method 400 of storing and
relocking potential energy in a power assisted bow is illustrated
in FIG. 14, in accordance with various embodiments. The method may
comprise storing a first amount of potential energy in the power
assisted bow via an energy storage and relock mechanism (step 402).
The method may further comprise locking the first amount of
potential energy in the power assisted bow via the energy storage
and relock mechanism (step 404). The method may further comprise
generating a second amount of potential energy in the power
assisted bow in response to a drawstring of the power assisted bow
being pulled (step 406). The method may further comprise relocking
the first amount of potential energy in the power assisted bow via
the energy storage and relock mechanism (step 408). The method may
further comprise relieving the second amount of potential energy in
the power assisted bow in response to the drawstring being let down
(step 410).
[0064] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have
been described herein with regard to specific embodiments.
Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures
contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional
relationships and/or physical couplings between the various
elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional
functional relationships or physical connections may be present in
a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to
problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage,
or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be
construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements
of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be
limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which
reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or
more." Moreover, where a phrase similar to "at least one of A, B,
or C" is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be
interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B
alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an
embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may
be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B
and C, or A and B and C. Different cross-hatching is used
throughout the figures to denote different parts but not
necessarily to denote the same or different materials.
[0065] Methods, apparatuses, and systems are provided herein. In
the detailed description herein, references to "one embodiment",
"an embodiment", "various embodiments", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described. After reading the
description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant
art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternative
embodiments.
[0066] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the
present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public
regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is
explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is
intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the element is expressly
recited using the phrase "means for." As used herein, the terms
"comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus.
* * * * *